What are the major benefits that smart cards offer consumers?

Smart cards contain unique features that bring many benefits to both consumers and issuing organizations:
 

Feature   Benefits

Security

 chip is tamper-resistant
information stored on the card can be PIN code and/or read-write protected
capable of performing encryption
each smart card has its own, unique serial number

Intelligence

 capable of processing, not just storing information
Smart cards can communicate with computing devices through a smart card reader
information and applications on a card can be updated without having to issue new cards

Convenience

 chip is tamper-resistant
Smart cards provide a portable, easy to use form factor that many are familiar with using